Jaywalking drops by 96.1% in RAK

ras al khaimah — The Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Police recorded a substantial 96.1 per cent drop in the number of pedestrians crossing the road from undesignated areas last year.

Official records show that only two pedestrians were nabbed in 2017 for crossing the road from undesignated areas as compared to 51 in 2016.

Brigadier Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, director-general of the central operations department, RAK Police, attributed the significant decline to the tireless efforts to raise public awareness on this violation.

“So many people — old and young — and of different nationalities, lost their lives after being run over while crossing the RAK roads from undesignated areas in violation of the traffic rules,” he pointed out.

The police, in collaboration with government and private entities, carried out numerous campaigns in different languages to alert the public on this violation which poses potential risk to one’s life, he added. “The public is urged to strictly cross the road from designated areas to avert fatal run-over accidents.”

The police will deploy more traffic patrols to ensure road users’ safety and compliance with the prescribed pedestrian crossing rules, he underlined.

“As per the latest amendments introduced to the Federal Traffic Law, a fine of Dh400 will be slapped on those held while crossing the road from undesignated areas or failing to abide by signals.”

Drivers are also urged to slow down close to zebra lines and give priority to pedestrians, Brig Humaidi said. “Failure to give

So many people lost their lives after being run over while crossing the RAK roads from undesignated areas in violation of traffic rules.” Brigadier Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, director-general of the central operations dept, RAK Police

pedestrians way on the zebra crossings will draw a fine of Dh500 and six black points while stopping the vehicle on the pedestrian crossing draws a fine of Dh500,” he warned.

Early this month, an Asian man in his thirties succumbed to the injuries he received after he was run over by a speeding car opposite Al Hamra Mall. The erring driver was found driving a car with an expired registration. ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com